New Coaldale RCMP detachment aims to create stronger ties to community

Since the permanent closure of the former Lethbridge RCMP detachment in September, RCMP members formerly working out of Lethbridge have now fully transitioned to the new facility in Coaldale.

The former RCMP building, located in Lethbridge, is now completely empty and sits near the vacant lot of the former YMCA. The new $12 million detachment located on Highway 3 in Coaldale, boasts a modern design and lots of light. Sgt. Mike Neuman says the space is, “nice and bright with lots of space. It’s the nicest detachment I have worked in since joining the RCMP.” Sgt. Neuman provided an update on the functionality of the new space.

“Of course, with anything new, there have been a few hiccups and things we need to work through, but that’s all manageable. Overall, it’s a great space and it’s nice to have everybody under one roof.”

Although the building in Coaldale is brand new, the former RCMP detachment in Lethbridge constructed in the 1950s holds immense historical significance to the area and to the RCMP. When asked if there was anything from the old building that was particularly difficult for members to say goodbye to, Neuman said, “It’s tough, there is a lot of history in that old building, and we’ll bring some of that over here and well make sure that anything else gets to a museum.”

The new building has allowed members to develop even stronger ties to the community. The Lethbridge RCMP detachment was geographically removed from the communities of Coaldale, Lethbridge County, and surrounding areas. Now that the former detachment in Lethbridge is closed, members are working together under the same roof, and Sgt. Neuman says there is a sense among some members that bringing the disparate detachments together under one roof has been advantageous for the team.

“In talking with the members, just the sense of teamwork and being a team together working, you know, not some in Coaldale and some out of the Lethbridge office.”

He added, “I think the biggest thing is just being in the communities we serve.”

Neuman is also new to the area. “I am getting the best of both worlds, I get to come to southern Alberta, and I also get to take advantage of a brand-new detachment in Coaldale, so we’re pretty lucky.”